Plans to increase the number of people benefitting from the real Living Wage have been outlined by Cabinet Secretary for Fair Work Keith Brown. Over the next three years the Scottish Government will work with the Poverty Alliance to build a ‘Living Wage Nation’, boosting the wages of those on low pay and supporting inclusive growth.
Measures being announced include:
- At least 25,000 more people over the next three years to benefit from their employer becoming Living Wage accredited
- Launch a regionally-focussed accreditation scheme to create the UK’s first Living Wage towns, cities and regions
- Increase the proportion of accredited organisations in low-paid sectors, such as hospitality and tourism
Mr Brown said: “We are serious about supporting fair work and putting equality at the heart of our labour market. That is why Scotland punches well above its weight in terms of the proportion of people paid at least the Living Wage.
“However we cannot become complacent. We now need to build on this success to ensure even more organisations and individuals benefit in the future.
“Our commitment to create a Living Wage Nation is challenging, but achievable, and it will help those in low-paid sectors who need it most.
“By using the Living Wage to make pay fairer and jobs more sustainable, we will support our commitments to build a more resilient economy, a more equal labour market, and foster inclusive growth.”
Peter Kelly, Director of the Poverty Alliance, added: “It is now just over three years since the Poverty Alliance launched the drive to increase the number of accredited Living Wage employers in Scotland. Working in partnership with the Living Wage Foundation and thanks to support from the Scottish Government we have seen real change.
“We have seen employers from all sectors, in companies large and small, adopt the Living Wage and do their bit to help make the economy fairer. However, despite the progress that has been made, we know there is still much to be done.
“Scotland faces real challenges in some important sectors . If we are to deliver a fair economy for all then we must begin to address these head on. We are grateful for the Scottish Government support that will allow us to take the positive message for the Living Wage to employers in all parts of Scotland and into key sectors.”
Last week Stoats was confirmed as Scotland’s 1,000th Living Wage-accredited employer. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon visited the company’s Edinburgh HQ where she met staff and congratulated the company on gaining accreditation.
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